Development of Intelligent Exoskeleton Grasping Through Sensor Fusion and Slip Detection

This thesis explores the field of hand exoskeleton robotic systems with slip detection and its applications. It presents the design and control of the intelligent sensing and force- feedback exoskeleton robotic (iSAFER) glove to create a system capable of intelligent object grasping initiated by detection of the user’s intentions through motion amplification. Using a combination of sensory feedback streams from the glove, the system has the ability to identify and prevent object slippage, as well as adapting grip geometry to the object properties. The slip detection algorithm provides updated inputs to the force controller to prevent an object from being dropped, while only requiring minimal input from a user who may have varying degrees of functionality in their injured hand. This thesis proposes the use of a high dynamic range, low cost conductive elastomer sensor coupled with a negative force derivative trigger that can be leveraged in order to create a controller that can intelligently respond to slip conditions through state machine architecture, and improve the grasping robustness of the exoskeleton. The mechanical and electrical improvements to the previous design, the sensing and force- feedback exoskeleton robotic (SAFER) glove, are described while details of the controller design and the proposed assistive and rehabilitative applications are explained. Experimental results confirming the validity of the proposed system are also presented. In closing, this thesis concludes with topics for future exploration.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Department dc:contributor.department

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Lee, Brielle

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Ben-Tzvi, Pinhas

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Wicks, Alfred L.
• Asbeck, Alan T.

• Exoskeleton
• Mechatronics
• Robotic Systems
• Slip Detection
• Assistive Glove
• Rehabilitation

Statement dc:rights

• Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/83924

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/83924